The Atmosphere of South Africa

So I just got back from one of the local bars here in Cape Town. The city is broken up into little districts, and the area that my dorm is in is known as "Mowbray". Up a little north is a district known as "Observatory" and people call it "Obs" for short. It is a really chill place with plenty of local bars to relax at. We ended up stopping at this place called "Stones" which also has a location of the same name in downtown Cape Town (known as Long Street, but I'll explain later :) )

So "Stones" was such a sweet bar.. they have like 100 pool tables, as well as a balcony to just relax at. I've never encountered bars/clubs in the states that share a counterpart here in South Africa. "Stones" was such a cool place. It's amazing how different the little things can be in a different country. The pool tables are MUCH smaller, along with the pool balls themselves. The pockets are smaller as well which makes it very difficult to make a shot. We would sometimes go 10 minutes without a single ball dropping in haha but eventually I learned the essentials that were necessary for the much smaller table.

I've been to over a dozen bars and clubs here in South Africa, and not one reminds me of the States. Each bar is unique in its own way and has the type of atmosphere that just welcomes you in to explore a new found area. Most importanly, the people shape the concrete of these bars. I have never in my life encountered anyone more open and willing to talk about anything. They don't just talk aimlessly either.. they actually are interested in who you are and what brought you to this beautiful country.

I know it is very difficult to describe in words.. and is pretty much something you need to experience for yourself.. but just life in general here is open to anything you have to offer... never will you feel unwelcome.. but instead a feeling of acceptance no matter who you are.. something that is rare to come by.